Off-Topic - The Mirage is heavy,overpowered, and has a poor drag co-efficient . . .

[Canoehead]

At least it is compared to the Urbee. I saw this guy speak a couple years back and have been following the project ever since. It is a daunting task for any start-up auto manufacturer, but this team has developed a lot of interesting research that will benefit fuel efficient cars of the future whether they get the Urbee to production or not.

Here are the details of the project: http://korecologic.com/

They are hoping to write a book about it (fundraising site): http://kck.st/17yoYLL

So, if anyone tells you your Mirage is underpowered and small - you can just explain how it has about 9x the power of another car you were considering!

[MetroMPG]

Ha! Good thread title.

Some video...



I've seen news bits about this vehicle around the web. Made in Manitoba, eh? Didn't know that tidbit.

So many of these ultra-efficient 3-wheel commuter vehicles never make it to production, or don't seem to sell well if they do: Corbin Sparrow & Aptera come to mind.

The other "next big thing" in efficient 3-wheel commuters is the one from Elio Motors:



I wish these guys well! But if history is any indication...

[Canoehead]

I really wanted an Aptera. Too bad about that company as well. One thing I liked is that Jim Korr said that if his car was mass-produced, it could be sold for around $8000 retail. I think it would be closer to $30 000 produced on a small scale. That's one challenge of these sort of companies, but I expect in time people will realize the utility of a small people-mover and some company (one with considerable finances) will market it as such and break through. Right now it seems that Urbee has much of the needed brain-power, but lacks the investors.

That Elio looks like a winner - and for only $6 800. Two bad it only seats one, though (edited to add - looks like there is a second seat behind the first - my mistake.)

[MetroMPG]

I was also really rooting for Aptera. A work of art & science, that one.

The other thing these guys lack: high enough fuel costs! (As does the Mirage, but to a lesser extent.)

[Bretts]

I'd buy and older sports bike over one of these things. If a single person commuter is what you desire....

[Daox]

I have a motorcycle and the Elio is still attractive to me. I like the idea of being able to jump in and go no matter the weather.

[Canoehead]

I'd buy and older sports bike over one of these things. If a single person commuter is what you desire....

Bikes are fun for sure, but where I live bikes are expensive toys that must be put away for half the year when the snow/ice cover the ground. Insurance is much higher, too, and many people prefer the stability, comfort, and safety of being surrounded in a car to the fun and freedom of a bike.

Most bikes don't really get that good mileage, either, if that is what you are after.